Tanzanian Students Excel at Global ICT Competition in China

In Dar Es Salaam, university students and educators from Tanzania stood out as leading victors in the renowned 2024/2025 Huawei ICT Competition, surpassing more than 210,000 competitors globally. The international finale took place in Shenzhen, China, where teams from the Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), the University of Dar Es Salaam (UDSM), and the University of Dodoma (UDOM) clinched first and second prizes respectively. The triumphant trio consisted of Vida Mapundo (from DIT), Joseph Msuya (from UDSM), and Sigfrid Michael (representing UDOM). Meanwhile, fellow members Paul Nkingwa, Godlove Hipolite, and Felix Kuluchumila—also hailing from UDOM—took honors in the runner-up division. Huawei Technologies organizes this annual contest to enhance students' proficiency in areas like cloud computing, big data analytics, and AI technologies. Additionally, the competition fosters creative approaches to addressing everyday issues within industries such as farming, medicine, and schooling. Ritchie Peng, Huawei's Head of ICT Strategy and Business Growth, highlighted during the inaugural session that the challenge advances the firm’s overarching aim towards "an Intelligent World 2030" through promoting inclusivity in technology use alongside sustainable growth strategies. He further emphasized how they continually adapt the format to match contemporary advancements across the globe. Vida Mapundo, who represents DIT, conveyed her elation upon receiving recognition on behalf of Tanzania amidst an international audience: "This accolade not only bolsters our resolve but underscores that Tanzanian expertise matches up against international benchmarks." Professor Baraka Maiseli, Dean of CoICT at UDSM, acknowledged governmental contributions toward improving technological infrastructures which facilitate tangible educational experiences essential for achieving these milestones. Dr Florence Rashidi, dean of the College of Informatics and Virtual Education at UDOM, echoed similar sentiments about appreciating Huawei’s role in fostering opportunities for local learners via immersive practice sessions coupled with competitive engagements abroad. For two years running now, Tanzanian scholars have demonstrated exceptional prowess in the same tournament; last cycle witnessed another set of three compatriots earning commendations based solely on merit alone. This edition attracted entries spanning numerous nations namely China, Brazil, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, the Philippines, Singapore, and Serbia—with Tanzania notably standing tall amongst key performers throughout. Syndigate.info ).